Housing Works Thrift Shops - Chelsea in
New York (NY)

I stop in here anytime I'm in the neighborhood. It's easy to find great wardrobe staples in good condition at very reasonable prices. And the board games they occasionally have always have all the pieces.

Housing Works has a very strange pricing system. Finds are a hit or miss but that's just thrifting for you.

Amazing finds! So many beautiful dresses and everything is well organized.

Nice clean thrift store with ranging prices depending on items. I enjoyed browsing through and found the various cultural clothes very cool. However, the shirts and jeans were not separated by size which made it hard to find specific sizing and things that fit (especially because the jeans were hung up on high racks which made it harder to just sort through).
Appreciate that the money is going towards AIDs prevention and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

I have been coming to this particular location on and off for some time now as I am closer by to the 23rd and 3rd street location. So today (May 13th) I decided to stop by as I was heading in that direction to see if I could find anything for my dad’s birthday tomorrow (May 14th) as I know that this particular location has a better men’s section then the 23rd street location does. So as I stopped by in to that one later on in the day. So anyways when I entered the store as per usual I was greeted with a “Hello Welcome” in a kind of way that sounds very forced to say when new customers enter the shop and I went straight in looking around. I soon noticed that the security guard was following me and eyeing me around the shop in a discrete way. Whatever I thought that wasn’t the worst of it. So when I finally made my selections I made my way to check out and noticed that there was a long line and one older man checking people out I decided to look around and come back when the line gets shorter. Finally after about 20 minutes I noticed that the check out station was empty and made my way over. So I began to put the stuff up on the table and the man said “Ok so you’re finally ready now” in a kind of sassy attitude I replied “yes sorry I decided to swing back by when you weren’t as busy” he gave me an understanding look and proceeded to check me out probably wondering why I’m getting all this Manly stuff lol. Took him a good minute too I could see why the line wasn’t moving along there should’ve been someone else working the next booth over as it was made for two check out clerks. Finally he gave me the price of $44.38 with the 20% student discount for Tuesday’s only. I proceeded to get checked out with my phone tab he said “looks like it didn’t go through” in a kind of I knew it look. I said “I just have to get the right card scanned” then he said ”Oh looks like I need to input it in all over again” another 2 minutes go by finally got my goods. I then asked for a bag he looked confused then said “I’ll be back to find a bag.” I guess they ran out of the paper ones they always seem to have. While I was waiting for him to come back with a bag some worker was looking over at his work station. As he was heading back over with a grocery bag that they probably got with the shops donations. The other co-worker a loud mouthed younger female began to demeaning him saying “Why is this table a mess. You are supposed to keep a clear check out table at all times” moving my stuff over that I just purchased over not realizing clearly. She then picked up my stuff off the table and said “what are these doing here” not acknowledging that I was standing right in front of her I replied “those are mine that I just bought” putting them back on the table she had no expression of acknowledgment on her face what so ever. I could then tell the older man then looked kind of embarrassed and started putting the things I got in to the grocery bag he brought over more quickly as the woman was cleaning up his check out table muttering to herself. I thanked him even though he was kind of rude to me in the beginning probably because he had a long day with dealing with other customers and other co-workers like that one. Really not knowing what else to say I left but I wished I stood up for him as this job was clearly too much for him but he still couldn’t retire yet it seems that way. The whole check out experience took roughly about 10 minutes alone so just be prepared if you get an older gentleman! All in all, it makes an interesting story to tell and my dad was happy with what I got him. I’ll still go back to that location again but I’ll stick more with the closer to me Housing Works location. As they seem to be more professional and actually care about the people that come in to look around/shop. They will even give you some small talk if you want them to and they don’t have security watching whatever you touch.

I don’t usually write reviews but I felt compelled to leave one because I had such a good experience. This place has extremely reasonable prices, the staff is very kind and helpful, AND they have a super sale for students and seniors on Tuesdays (which happens to be today) and I got 20% off my purchase! Toot toot

Always find amazing things here! Come early in the morning for the best selection! Best to come without any expectations and you’ll never know what you end up finding. Best part is, by purchasing here you’re supporting an amazing cause!

Housing Works Thrift Shop in Chelsea is a charming little spot that’s worth a visit, especially if you’re on the hunt for unique furniture pieces. Despite being a relatively small store, the selection of vintage and secondhand furniture is impressive—well-made chairs, tables, and other statement pieces that often come with character and history.

Beyond furniture, you’ll find clothing, books, and home goods, though the inventory can feel a bit limited compared to larger thrift stores. That said, everything is thoughtfully curated, and the prices are fair for the quality.

What makes Housing Works special is its mission. Proceeds support programs to fight homelessness and HIV/AIDS, so every purchase feels like it’s going toward a meaningful cause. It’s a great place to shop sustainably, find hidden gems, and contribute to the community.

I make it a point to visit this location every single time I travel to NYC. Such a warm & welcoming staff, and of course great vintage finds! Love from Toronto!

Donations. Make alternate plans for donating large items I don’t think this necessarily pertains to this thrift store. It’s regarding furniture donations. I started arranging a donation of almost new sofa sleeper and new upholstered bar stools on June 25. Their website gives you a choice of dates. I said July 8 was the latest pickup I could do
. They came back a few times wanting more photos and decided on July 5 that they want it. But told me they couldn’t come before July 30. So now I’m scrambling to find some alternate arrangement last minute and it’s just unnecessary. At the last minute they put it 3 weeks off. They could have just put the information on their website that potential pickups are weeks out. So if you’re donating like new furniture, don’t assume they will take it, even if they say they will. You might be sitting on it last minute with no other options than the curb. Talk to other charities as well

You have to dig a bit but for every overpriced 3-7 items there’s a gem. Gotta be patient - very organized and friendly staff. Found a good condition bag for a great deal.

One of my favorite thrift shops in the city. There's a great selection of shoes, nick nacks bags and clothes. Sometimes you really luck up and strike gold, other times you don't.

I came here with my partner on Valentine’s because this store seems to get shoes in larger women’s, and us being trans this is a rare precious find! I thought it would be sweet to treat her and she’s never been. But we were followed around and being watched/stared at by an employee always just a few feet away the entire time ): we were dressed up for our date with tiny purses with us too so where did you think we would put shoes?! lol. We looked at the reviews and it looks like it’s on ongoing problem. I probably won’t go back because it ruined the experience for me. An LGBT-run store being so unwelcoming to trans people is not worth it. Otherwise the store is nice; very clean, minimal-to-no plastic mold issues, and the carpet section is unique. The employee with pink hair was brilliant, welcoming, efficient and professional, and made the otherwise bad experience a much better one! Happy Valentine’s to you only :,)

Very overpriced for a thrift store. They priced a j crew blouse at $45. Really? BUT it does seem that local stores/businesses donate their overstock here, so you can find good deals that way. They also seem to have a good selection of books. They also have fitting rooms, which a lot of thrift stores don’t have these days. Wheelchair accessible but the aisles can get tight and it would be difficult to navigate on a crowded day.

Nice things, very clean store. But some items way too overpriced for a thrift store. Wish they had more kitchen items. The bidding system for housing works kinda sucks for thrifting, you see something that catches your eye and would have to bid for it, so it takes away from the thrill of thrifting for me. Nice staff at this location.

I've checked out a LOT of thrift shops but Housing Works takes the cake. They supply their stores with only hand picked chosen stuff from locally donated goods. Their employees are kind & friendly & the store is clean & well organized. YES to Housing Works & their good cause! (HIV).

Nice store with a relaxed atmosphere, but overly priced for the
mostly outdated, cheaply made items you could find at more mainstream shops like The Salvation Army. Visible wear and tear has no effect on price. Staff is chill, which is rare in New York. I came in looking for a pair of boots for an upcoming graduation and most pairs were over $100. Fortunately, they had a sale on brand new Sperry's, which were $20 and under so I settled for a pair of slides.

Always a good place for quirky as well as regular stuff you may find useful in your daily life. They have other locations too. It's a thrift shop. But don't expect a very regular thrift shop when you show up here.

This is an updated review, which I am writing because of a near dismal experience I had with them, specifically the lady cashier who was rather overzealous with her approach with customers, this time with myself, this afternoon 3/6/2023. Mind you, I have shopped here numerous times.

I felt she was overbearing, & made me very uncomfortable, as if I was stealing stuff from the store when I used my own brought used shopping bag for stuff I wanted to get & buy.

She even had the temerity to instruct me to use their in store shopping cart, & I admitted to making my mistake of using my own bag. I had to pay everything right away, & she probably got the realization of how malicious she was so she apologized to me before the transaction was over.

I disliked her approach -- she certainly behaved like a very strict school teacher. Some one who loves to berate folks unnecessarily & not to her liking. I thought I was also being discriminated against, maybe because I am brown (who really knows for sure).

Then I thought I don't wanna ruin my break time. I hope I have better experience next time. But for now, this ONE STAR REVIEW stays.

Second hand store..a very nice place, many second hand things at good prices.

everyone has used stuff and Housing Works Thrift Store takes used stuff and sells it. some people like buying used stuff and Housing Works sells used stuff for $.

one of the larger locations of HW. donating is super easy. just drop off stuff that in good shape—check the website for what they’ll take.

there are racks of men’s and women’s clothes in this store. there’s a decent sized books, cds, etc. in the corner in the back. there is some decor and furniture as well. well and cleanly maintained like other locations.

busy location. helpful staff.

donate—you’re doing a good deed

As a frequent customer and member I had an encounter with one of the female staff that was very rude and condescending. I found a book that's caught my eye and was sitting on the shelves for weeks. They were selling the used book for $150 here and I did a such price comparison on Amazon and they were selling it for $45 brand new. I tried talking and explaining to the staff that this should be repriced and she just rolled her eyes at me and say sorry the prices have been researched and there is no flexibility. I've been to other Housing Works before and the other staffs were very nice in working a deal with me on other items but this staff here was just plain arrogant and disrespectful. I will now end my membership due to the attitude displayed here and no longer donate to Housing Work in the future. All items are donated to them and I don't understand why they act like they need to sell it a premium price.

Housing works Chelsea on West 17th street is one of my favorite housing works to visit. Typically always have wonderful deals on items you may need for furnishing home from couches, tables, chairs, rugs, lamps. You name it they probably have it. They have three movers they recommend making it easy to get your purchase delivered for extremely fair price with an accredited and insured moving company. Staff and workers are all very friendly and there to help. Can’t recommend enough!

Well curated thrift shop with amazing finds. Quite a few clothing companies or designers donate their stuff here, so always good finds guaranteed. Lots of never been worn items.

The staff at this location are very friendly and helpful. I find the assortment of apparel in the Chelsea store more high end and fashionable than some of the other locations. The selection is extremely well curated and displayed. The windows are always very interesting...a little quirky which I like. Wonderful place to browse. Great finds.

Great place to visit and browse around in. It has a large layout span with very high ceilings. Perfect coloring and lighting to beckon you in - light, bright, but yet warm at the same time. The selection of clothes is great. I usually go for the slacks because they are high end designers - barely if ever worn, but for under $15.00. If you are really wanting to feel good and ultra save..certain days they seem to have some slacks marked down to under $8.00! Beautiful shoe collection - especially if you love heels and boots. The furniture seems top notch with often modern and vintage quality, but I don't have a car so I don't bother peaking too much. From what I can tell the men clothes look great too! :)

Really expensive clothes, looked to be extra items from brands plus donated goods. The household items were quite reasonably priced, but the clothes were exorbitant.

One of my favorite housing works. As this is housing works flagship store there is a lot of turn over of product so you need to frequent it to find what your looking for. They do get a lot of interesting pieces at this store. If you see something you want pick it up don't leave it and circle back it may not be there by the end of your visit.